A Carlisle rock band’s international tour is being sponsored by leading Cumbrian accountants Armstrong Watson.
Hardwicke Circus will perform in Ukraine as part of the tour, which starts on June 8 in the Czech Republic with Ukrainian band OKAZIA.
In Ukraine, they will travel through Dnipro, Lviv, Kharkiv, Vinnytsia and Ternopil.
They also plan to perform at a Ukrainian military base and will end the tour with a final show in Kyiv before returning to the UK.
What sets this tour apart is its mission as all proceeds from the Ukrainian shows will go directly to Mission Ukraine, a charity delivering aid to wartorn parts of the country, and the band will also host music workshops for young people.
Jonny Foster, lead vocalist and band leader of Hardwicke Circus, said: “Music has always been about more than just entertainment, it’s about connection, courage and community.
“This tour is our way of standing with the people of Ukraine, sharing our songs and showing that Carlisle’s voice can carry across borders in solidarity. We’re honoured to be part of something bigger and we’re grateful to Armstrong Watson for believing in the power of music to make a difference.”
With peace talks between Russia and Ukraine failing to progress towards ending the war, the band are fully aware of the dangers ahead.
Drummer Tom Foster, Jonny’s brother, added: “Danger is one side of it, but I think the importance and significance of what we’re aiming to do outweighs the personal danger. We were presented with the opportunity, and we weren’t going to say no.”
Paul Dickson, Armstrong Watson’s CEO and managing partner, said: “We believe access to arts and culture can have a huge positive impact on communities.
“Supporting Hardwicke Circus on this extraordinary tour is not just about backing local talent, it’s about amplifying voices that bring hope, resilience, and unity through music.
“We are incredibly proud to help make this tour possible and to see a band from Carlisle take such a courageous and inspiring step on the international stage to raise funds for Mission Ukraine.”
The collaboration with OKAZIA, who facilitated connections with venues across Ukraine, underscores the unifying power of music in times of adversity and highlights the role of the arts in fostering cross-cultural solidarity and humanitarian support.
Hardwicke Circus, known for their energetic performances and socially conscious lyrics, are no strangers to pushing boundaries, having previously performed a 15-date prison tour in 2021.
During the tour, which marks a new chapter in their journey and one that blends music, mission and message in a way that resonates far beyond the stage, the band will be working on their upcoming live album Songs of Freedom.
